Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause irreversible kidney damage. It is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States (diabetes is the leading cause). Seeking early treatment is the key to preventing the potentially serious consequences of hypertension. Cleveland Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach and which has access to the very latest treatment options.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is expressed as one number over another. The top number is the systolic pressure, or the pressure on arteries as the heart contracts or beats. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, or the pressure on arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. Hypertension is diagnosed by having repeated values at or above 140/90 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury, the unit for measuring blood pressure) at rest. People with blood pressures between 130/85 and 139/89 may have borderline hypertension, and this too can cause problems. The ideal blood pressure is 120/80.
